About Taylor Sheppard Expertise I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
Concerned parent wrote at 2008-01-07 00:59:17
Be careful, they are a serious scam.
They have you pay, then stick your kid's file in a drawer doing nothing for the child until you complain. Then they try to find an agent, but as I said, only when you start to threaten and complain.
Good luck!
Alissa wrote at 2008-03-27 22:41:22
I have not really heard much about KTN however my friend signed her daughter up through Fabulous Flashcast. She had to pay $1495 in initial fees to the flashcast company who then refered her to an agent. She was given a gurantee that if her daughter was not singed by an agent within 60 days that they would refund the money (however the hitch is, they give you a list of all the agents and you have to send them your childs info and meet with them. If any of them are interested in signing your child, regardless of weather you like them or not...then they wont have to pay you back). So if you dont do your part then you are out all that money.
However my friends daughter was immediatly signed and has earned upwards of $500,000 in doing two days of work (i.e. 4 hours each day)
There are ups and downs to it. If you use these agencies all they do are give you an IN to the agents.....because it is all about who you know even if you are gorgeous and talented.
I have seen a review on ripoffreport saying that KTN is a scam.
barbarac wrote at 2008-06-30 01:25:49
Hi! We registered with Fabulous Flashcast and we did receive a great agent who has gotten us 4 auditions already. I had sent out pics on my own with no luck ever. The people at Fabulous Flashcast were very honest and to the point. They also work with talent agents who don't require a portfolio on babies. We highly recommend them. Isn't getting an "in" with legit talent agents what's it all about? We think so. Thanks Carl and Deb at Fabulous Flashcast.
We love you guys! You have been soooo helpful and we've referred 2 parents to you. :)
Gabrielle wrote at 2008-11-08 19:11:16
Kids Talent Network is a wonderful company that matches talent with agencies nationwide. They do not claim to be an agency. It's a legit matchmaking service. We have had great success with both our daughters and recommend them. Hope this helps!
